Grow

Mark 4:26-29

Grow is the second sermon in our series: “Gather, Grow, Go” which is our theme for the year.

Have you ever wondered how God grows you spiritually? Do you sometimes feel frustrated or discouraged by your lack of progress in your faith journey? Do you wish you could see more fruit in your life and in the lives of others? If so, you are not alone. Many of us struggle with these questions and feelings. But the good news is that God has a plan and a purpose for your growth. He is not done with you yet. He is still working in you and through you to accomplish his will. In this passage, Jesus tells us a parable about how the kingdom of God grows. He compares it to a seed that is planted, sprouts, and produces a harvest. This parable teaches us some important truths about how God grows us and what we can do to cooperate with him.

HOW GOD GROWS US (PLANT –> GROW –> HARVEST)

I started to grow when God planted his seed in me.

““The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground.” (Mark 4:26, CSB)

The first thing we learn from this parable is that God is the one who planted his seed in us. The seed represents the word of God, the gospel, the message of his grace and truth. God is the one who scattered his seed on the ground, which is our hearts. He is the one who chose us, called us, and saved us by his grace. He is the one who gave us new life, new birth, and new identity in Christ.

“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9, CSB)

“because you have been born again—not of perishable seed but of imperishable—through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23, CSB)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB)

Application: What does this mean for us?

It means that we are not accidents, but we are God’s intentional creations. We are not orphans, but we are God’s beloved children. It means that we are not hopeless, but we are God’s hopeful heirs. We are not worthless, but we are God’s precious treasures. It means that we are not alone, but we are God’s chosen people.

How do we respond to this truth? We respond with gratitude, praise, and worship. Together, we thank God for his amazing grace and love. We respond with humility, faith, and obedience. Together, we trust God for his perfect plan and purpose. We respond with joy, hope, and confidence. We celebrate God for his wonderful work and promise.

I continue to grow as God grows his seed in me.

“He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how.” (Mark 4:27, CSB)

The second thing we learn from this parable is that God is the one who grows his seed in us. The seed that is planted in the ground sprouts and grows, though the man does not know how. The soil produces the grain by itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. This shows us that God is the one who causes the growth. He is the one who makes the seed alive, active, and fruitful. He is the one who works in us and through us to transform us into the image of Christ.

“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, CSB)

“For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, CSB)

“We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, CSB)

Application: What does this mean for us?

It means that we are not stagnant, but we are growing. We are not stuck, but we are moving forward. It means that we are not defeated, but we are victorious. We are not finished, but we are in progress.

How do we respond to this truth? We respond with patience, perseverance, and prayer. Together, we wait on God for his timing and his ways. We respond with cooperation, submission, and surrender. Together, we yield to God for his work and his will. We respond with expectation, anticipation, and celebration, as we look to God for his results and his rewards.

I grow in maturity, fulfillment and fruition as God harvests his seed in me.

“The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.”” (Mark 4:28–29, CSB)

The third thing we learn from this parable is that God is the one who harvests his seed in us. The seed that grows in the soil produces a crop that is ready for harvest. The man puts the sickle to it because the harvest has come. This shows us that God is the one who completes the growth. He is the one who brings the seed to maturity, fulfillment, and fruition. He is the one who reaps the harvest of righteousness, peace, and joy in our lives and in the lives of others.

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9, CSB)

“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” (James 3:18, CSB)

“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8, CSB)

Application: What does this mean for us?

It means that we are not fruitless, but we are fruitful. We are not wasteful, but we are useful. It means that we are not aimless, but we are purposeful. We are not worthless, but we are valuable. How do we respond to this truth?

We respond with readiness, availability, and service. Together, we offer ourselves to God for his use and his glory. We respond with generosity, hospitality, and ministry. Together, we share ourselves with others for their benefit and their blessing. We respond with faithfulness, diligence, and excellence. Together, we do our best for God and his kingdom.

The secret to how I grow is dependent upon God. God planted his seed in me, God grows his seed in me, and God harvests his seed in me. This is how God grows us spiritually. He transforms us into his likeness. This is how he produces fruit in our lives and in the lives of others. Let us thank him, trust him, and cooperate with him in this process of growth.

Let us pray.

What Christian Growth Looks Like

How to Grow a Balanced Christian Life

Photo by Daniel Öberg on Unsplash